By Teng Kiat

The Asian champions have been drawn in a relatively easier group as compared to compatriots Australia, South Korea and Iran at next year's tournament in Brazil

The highly anticipated draw for the 2014 World Cup took place on Friday night, where all 32 teams participating in the tournament next year in Brazil learnt their group stage fates.

There were intriguing match-ups all round, such as defending champions Spain facing Netherlands and Chile in Group B, and England being dumped into Group D with Italy and Uruguay.

The four Asian teams had mixed luck, with Japan and South Korea probably handed easier groups than compatriots Australia and Iran.

Japan will face Ivory Coast, Greece and Colombia in Group C, with Korea to duel with Belgium, Algeria and Russia in Group H. The Socceroos have a tough task in Group B, while Iran will not find it easy in Group F against Argentina, Nigeria and debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The majority of Goal Singapore readers believe that the Samurai Blue have the best chance of advancing from the group stages, with 75.2% voting so in our poll. The 2011 Asian champions, who boast the likes of Keisuke Honda and Shingi Kagawa, should be relatively confident in their chances with all sides not too far away from each other in terms of quality,

Korea garnered 19,9% of the votes, with Iran making up 3.6% while Australia had 1.4%.

It looks like Japan and Korea will be Asia's best bets of making it beyond the group stages and all in all, Brazil 2014 looks set to be an interesting tournament.

Poll of the day

Which Asian team stands the best chance of advancing from their World Cup group?

Australia.

Japan.

Korea.

Iran.

Top vote
75.2%

Which Asian team stands the best chance of advancing from their World Cup group?